North Bend public safety: $10,000 drone grant, new K-9 handler and community donations announced

The North Bend public-safety team announced multiple operational updates at the June 10 council meeting: the city has received a competitive $10,000 Free Rivers Foundation grant intended to support a public-safety drone program, and Police Officer Ben Martin has been designated as the department’s new canine handler.

Fire Department remarks stated the $10,000 award came from a competitive pool and will be used toward acquiring drones and related equipment and training. "This $10,000 will go specifically to our drone program," the fire chief said, noting the grant will not fully cover higher-end infrared-capable drones and that additional funding will be required. The chief described likely public-safety uses including search-and-rescue in water, locating lost people by heat signature, large-fire assessment and assisting police in certain pursuits.

City staff also announced that Officer Ben Martin is North Bend's new canine handler and that the K-9 effort has attracted private donations. The transcript names MJ and Ellen Golder as having donated $1,500 and committing $250 per quarter toward the K-9 program; staff said the donations came from local businesses supporting the effort. City staff said the program is a partnership between the department and community donors and noted plans to recognize contributors via social media and photos.

Officials said certified personnel are already in place and that the grant will help purchase equipment; staff added further fundraising and procurement steps will follow. No council vote was required for the grant announcement during the meeting; follow-up implementation steps will be managed by the departments involved.